The Woven Stick Bridge

The Woven Stick Bridge

Steps:

  • Cut a long, narrow rectangle from a piece of sturdy cardboard.
  • Glue several craft sticks across the rectangle, leaving small gaps.
  • Wait for the glue to dry until the sticks are very firm.
  • Tie a piece of colorful yarn to the first craft stick.
  • Weave the yarn over the first stick and under the second one.
  • Continue the pattern until you reach the end of the bridge.
  • Use markers to draw a scene with water under the bridge.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use scissors or handle yarn.

The Hanger Bead Elevator

The Hanger Bead Elevator

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut three pieces of yarn, each about twelve inches long.
  • Tie the top of each piece of yarn to the bottom bar of the hanger.
  • Slide one large bead onto the bottom of each piece of yarn.
  • Tie a big knot at the bottom of the yarn so the beads stay on.
  • Have your child use a clothespin to pinch the bead and the yarn together.
  • Challenge them to slide the clothespin and bead all the way up to the top!
  • Ask them to move the bead back down slowly without letting it drop.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child during this activity as small beads are a choking hazard.

The Winding Cup Runner

The Winding Cup Runner

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to poke a small hole in the center of the paper cup’s bottom.
  • Cut a long piece of yarn, roughly ten to fifteen feet in length.
  • Thread one end of the yarn through the hole in your paper cup.
  • Use masking tape to secure the starting end of the yarn to a stable chair.
  • Wind the yarn through the room, looping it around furniture to create a twisty path.
  • Tape the other end of the yarn to a final destination, like a door handle.
  • Challenge your child to slide the cup along the yarn from start to finish!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Keep the yarn path clear of sharp corners. Never leave long yarn pieces unattended to prevent accidents.

The Bead Bridge Slide

The Bead Bridge Slide

Steps:

  • Cut two short pieces of a straw, each about two inches long.
  • Tape these pieces vertically onto a piece of cardboard, leaving a six-inch gap between them.
  • Thread four colorful beads onto a full-length straw.
  • Slide the ends of the long straw into the two short taped pieces to create a bridge.
  • Ask your child to use their pinching fingers to slide the beads from one end to the other.
  • Challenge them to move the beads back and forth without letting the straw bridge collapse!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required because beads and straw pieces are small and can be a choking hazard.

The Secret Keyhole Drop

The Secret Keyhole Drop

Steps:

  • Cut a narrow slot in a piece of cardboard using your scissors.
  • Use your markers to draw a treasure chest or a door around the secret slot.
  • Tape a craft stick to the edge of a large button to create a key handle.
  • Ask your child to hold the cardboard upright with their helper hand.
  • They must twist their wrist to align the button with the slot to push it through.
  • Try making the slot horizontal or vertical to change the wrist movement.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using scissors and small buttons to prevent any choking hazards.